Israel bans Islamic call to prayer, igniting uproar

In Israel, a recent decision by Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right National Security Minister, has led to the ban on the Islamic call to prayer, known as the adhan, from being broadcasted by mosques. This directive comes amid claims by Ben-Gvir that the call disturbs the peace of Jewish residents in the vicinity. He has authorized police to confiscate loudspeakers and impose fines on mosques found in violation of this prohibition. Despite the brief nature of the adhan, lasting only roughly two minutes, this policy has garnered significant backlash from human rights organizations and Arab leaders, who view it as a discriminatory act aimed at undermining the rights of the Muslim community in Israel. Ben-Gvir defends his decision by stating that it aligns with measures taken in various Western and even some Arab countries, where regulations on noise pollution are in place. He referred to the adhan as an unreasonable noise and labelled it a hazard for nearby residents. This stance is consistent with his past actions; he has a history of opposing the Islamic call to prayer and had previously engaged in protests against it. This policy marks a continuation of his contentious approach to issues relating to coexistence in Israel, particularly around sensitive religious sites. Arab leaders have condemned the ban, with figures like Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, asserting that Ben-Gvir's actions are not only divisive but also provoke animosity and conflict. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has denounced the ban as a violation of religious liberties and criticized the Biden administration for enabling such measures through its support for Israel. The broader implications of this ban raise concerns about escalating tensions in a nation already fraught with discord. Observers warn that this move could incite further unrest among the Arab community, especially in light of Ben-Gvir’s recent provocations at historically significant religious sites like Al-Aqsa Mosque. Calls for restraint from Arab leaders highlight the potential for this decision to escalate into a larger conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for the Israeli government to address these issues delicately to preserve social harmony and coexistence.